Инвалид-писатель Гэвин Клифтон выступит с лекцией на международной конференции по альтернативной коммуникации

A disabled author and inspirational speaker will deliver a plenary talk at an international communications conference. Gavin Clifton will speak at the Communication Matters International AAC Conference in Leeds this month, sharing how technology has given him a voice and transformed his life. The three-day event, held at the University of Leeds from September 13 to 15, focuses on Augmentative and Alternative Communication and brings together 450 delegates from across the UK and beyond, including AAC users, family members, speech-language therapists, and assistive technology suppliers. Mr Clifton said: "It is a huge honour and privilege to be invited to speak at 40th anniversary conference. "It is recognition, not just of my own journey with AAC, but of the fact that AAC users have something worth saying and deserve to be heard on the platforms that matter." The South Wales-based children’s author, 44, was born with cerebral palsy and uses AAC and AI-Voice technology to support his speech. He will deliver his talk, Something To Say, using his AAC device. Known as The Disabled Author, Mr Clifton has published three children’s books exploring themes of disability, acceptance, and kindness, including his best-seller Max and The Magic Wish and his autobiography Cerebral Palsy & Me. He said: "Disability should never be allowed to define what someone can say, achieve or contribute. "When people are given the right tools and support, their voices can challenge perceptions and change lives." Mr Clifton is a finalist in the 2025 Communication Matters Arts Award, recognising the achievements of AAC users, professionals, and advocates. The conference will also welcome keynote speaker Jeff Higginbotham PhD, Professor Emeritus at the University of Buffalo, USA. Tina Voizey, trustee at Communication Matters, said: "In our 40th anniversary year, it felt particularly fitting to invite a speaker whose experiences reflect our conference theme. "Gavin is a writer, speaker and AAC user whose work highlights the many ways people can find and express their voice. "Gavin's story is a powerful example of how communication can open doors, create opportunities and enable people to share their ideas with the world."